India has shifted its crude oil import strategy over the last decade, moving from a heavy reliance on Iran to discounted Russian supplies [1].

This transition reflects India's effort to secure energy stability while navigating complex international sanctions and volatile geopolitical tensions in the Middle East [2].

A decade ago, India relied significantly on Iran and the broader Middle East for its energy needs [1]. This pattern changed following the implementation of U.S. sanctions on Iran in 2018, which forced the government to seek alternative suppliers [1, 2].

The outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022 created another turning point [1]. India began importing a larger share of discounted Russian crude oil as the conflict reshaped global energy markets [1, 3]. While some reports indicate that imports from Russia have since begun to decline, the initial surge fundamentally altered the nation's import map [3].

Beyond Russia, India has integrated other sources into its energy mix to mitigate risk. The government has increased supplies from Oman, Venezuela, and other nations to avoid over-dependence on any single region [1, 2]. These diversifications are partly a response to intermittent closures of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint [1, 2].

Looking forward, the oil ministry said that sanctions relief could potentially restore imports from Iran [1]. Such a move would return India to some of its previous sourcing patterns while maintaining the diversified portfolio built over the last several years [1, 2].

“India has shifted its crude oil import strategy over the last decade.”

India's evolving energy portfolio demonstrates a pragmatic 'multi-aligned' foreign policy. By balancing discounted Russian oil with emerging partnerships in Oman and Venezuela, New Delhi reduces its vulnerability to regional conflicts in the Persian Gulf and the pressures of Western sanctions regimes.